An Interview with Deborah Lippmann
By Wendy Miller
Manicurist Extraordinaire to the Stars!
What do celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey, George Clooney and Cher have in common? In addition to their impressive resumes, they have dazzling digits thanks to Deborah Lippmann, manicurist extraordinaire to the stars. The Arizona native’s work has appeared in top fashion magazines, such as Vogue and Vanity Fair, and for major print ad campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, among others.
The versatile Manhattan-based artist (she’s also a talented jazz vocalist) returns to the Valley this month for the Trends Charitable Fund Celebrity Luncheon.
Who was the first big celebrity to become a regular client? Martha Stewart. That was around 1993. She became important in so many ways. Early in my career, she hired me to sing and entertain at her events. She once asked me to produce and arrange music for a primetime holiday special. I had no idea how to do that but she insisted I could do it. She has also become a mentor regarding business, such as packaging. She’s an incredible go-to person; I’m flattered she e-mails me right back!
Who is your favorite fashion designer?
Donna Karan. She knows a women’s body and uses luxurious fabrics.
What is your favorite movie?
“The Way We Were.” It’s a beautiful love story.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Traveling the world singing. Costa Rica and Australia are on my list of places to visit next. Plus, having someone do MY nails!
What’s your worst habit?
I don't know how to say “no.”
Which three people (living or dead) would you invite to dinner?
Athlete Charles Barkley, Job from the Bible, and the actor Sacha Baron Cohen.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Being able to keep up with my husband, Jude, on my snowboard.
What do you feel was the greatest decade for fashion?
The 1960's for its mod, sexy costumes. People stopped looking like their parents.
What was your first job?
A shoe saleswoman at the old Wigwam Resort.
What words best describe you?
A lover of life.
Where was your favorite Phoenix hangout as a teenager?
The Kachina Theatre in Scottsdale. I was there every week
What was a big moment for you and the Lippmann Collection?
In the early days of the line, we’d watch “Sex and the City” and see Sarah Jessica Parker’s character (Carrie Bradshaw), using our products. We’d see our bottles laying around (Carrie’s) apartment and in her medicine cabinet. It was very exciting.
Where does singing take you?
It’s where I find my spiritual wholeness. I’ve always had an affinity toward singing, as far back as when we went to see “The Music Man” when I was 4. Afterward, my mom made me a majorette’s uniform in blue satin with a baton and I sang “76 Trombones.”
Tell me about your new CD. With “Vinyl,” listeners can expect songs along the lines of Nora Jones and Diana Krall. It was produced by Darrell Brown, who’s also originally from Scottsdale. We’ve been best friends since we attended Coronado High School. He now lives in Nashville and is a big country songwriter. As recently as five years ago, we Christmas caroled in Phoenix at the homes of people we knew and some we didn’t know.
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